NOTE TO EXPERT: this is the Hinohatake cuvée This started with just a touch of high-toned candy (especially compared to the Chanterêves Savigny), but settled to reveal a very pretty, sweetly floral character, tempered with more savory herbs and a subtle minerality. I find Burgundian-styles Pinot Noir to be one of the best matches for Japanese food (especially dishes featuring shoyu, sansho, yuzu, etc.), and this was no exception - even with sashimi (with negi ponzu), Kyoto-style taitan relying heavily on dashi, etc. Not massively complex, perhaps, but lots of flavor and not lacking in dimensions. Overall, one of the most satisfying Japanese Pinot Noirs I have had in a while.
NOTE TO EXPERT: this is the Hinohatake cuvée This started with just a touch of high-toned candy (especially compared to the Chanterêves Savigny), but settled to reveal a very pretty, sweetly floral character, tempered with more savory herbs and a subtle minerality. I find Burgundian-styles Pinot Noir to be one of the best matches for Japanese food (especially dishes featuring shoyu, sansho, yuzu, etc.), and this was no exception - even with sashimi (with negi ponzu), Kyoto-style taitan relying heavily on dashi, etc. Not massively complex, perhaps, but lots of flavor and not lacking in dimensions. Overall, one of the most satisfying Japanese Pinot Noirs I have had in a while.
Sep 14th, 2022
Hokkaido, Japan
